HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-2024 Airport MinutesLa Porte Airport Advisory Board
MINUTES
September 10, 2024
Members Present: In person: Deborah Rihn-Harvey, Position 3, Robbie McLarrin, Position
7; Mark Follis, Position 6, David Kagey, Position 2, Shane Worsham, Position 5
Members Absent: Dan Marrouf, Position 1, Bryan Gwin, Position 4,
Others Present: Ray Mayo, Director of Public Works, Corby Alexander, City Manager,
Tashonda Ingle, Department Coordinator, Darrell Herrin, Citizen, Tom Dodson, Civil PE's.
The La Porte Airport Advisory Board meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Debby
Rihn-Harvey.
1. Citizen Darrell Herrin expressed his appreciation for being present and eager to listen.
2. Mark Follis made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 26,2024 meeting. David
Kagey seconded. Unanimously approved.
3. Ray Mayo advised the Board that council gave direction to move forward with the
"residential through the fence request" for 10596 N. H St. A draft agreement must be
created to accompany the request. The agreement will be created with input from the
TxDOTairport planner and the Board. Documentsmust be approved by the City Council
before submission to the FAA. The Board can provide a recommendation to Council on
the residential through the fence benefits and liabilities. The Board agreed to review the
draft agreement template and provide feedback for agreement terms. David Kagey
made a motion to review all the provided information and table this discussion until the
next meeting. Shane Worsham seconded. Unanimously approved.
4. Ray Mayo discussed preparing a letter of intent to TxDOT Aviation to apply for grant to
update the Airport Master Plan. Prior to submitting the request, the sponsor mustsubmit
a letter of intent accompanied by a City Council resolution expressing the city's
commitmentto offermatching local funding. This letter and resolution can be prepared
for an upcoming City Council meeting. Ray suggested that the board consider the
information provided from the TxDOT planner before deciding on an Airport Layout Plan
with narrative. Tom Dodson indicated that a full Master Plan has elements that focus on
surrounding airports and may not be beneficial. Robbie McLarrin proposed a motion to
table until the next meeting. Mark Follis seconded. Unanimously approved.
5. Ray Mayo stated that the National Guard has been approached about their intentions
for the previous Air National Guard property for performing environmental testing and
remediation, removing the structures, and terminating the lease. The National Guard
indicated that they intend to obtain funds for environmental issues and demolition. The
National Guard plans to meet with the City Manager's office at 1 p.m. on October 9. The
Board will get an update on the outcome of this meeting. Mark Follis proposed a motion
to table the discussion until the next meeting. Robbie McLarrin seconded. Unanimously
approved.
6. Board Comments — Mark Follis inquired for an update on the airport gates. Ray Mayo
noted that we will utilize funding from the Ramp Grant program. Smart keypad monitors
will likely be installed and will enhance security. David Kagey inquired about the runway
and what we could do to restore it. Tom Dodson noted that the original pavement was
old in many places, and the bubbles were produced by previous asphalt crack sealing,
and that these repairs may comewith a high price. Robbie McLarrin replied that he does
not see why there should be an issue with approved repairs if we received 90% from a
grant funding program. Debby Rihn-Harvey mentioned the displaced threshold and
lengthening of the runway to 5,000 feet. Robbie McLarrin also commented that the
Master Plan must be completedfor a more comprehensive viewof Airport repairs. Debby
Rihn-Harvey agreed that we needed a plan and set priorities.
The Board members set the next meeting for October 2024 (22,23,24). Meeting will be held
at City Hall and include the TxDOT Planner remotely or in person.
The motion to adjourn was made by Mark Follis and seconded by Robbie McLarrin. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED
0ITfiFIJS DAY )
Chairman
Vice -Chairman
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